Child bassinet and child care apparatus including a child bassinet installed on a playpen

ABSTRACT

A child bassinet includes a support frame supporting an enclosure, the support frame and the enclosure delimiting at least partially an interior space for receiving a child, and a playpen coupling mechanism provided on the support frame. The playpen coupling mechanism is operable to engage with and disengage from a playpen for installation and removal of the child bassinet on the playpen at different heights.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application respectively claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/444,924 filed on Jan. 11, 2017; and to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/489,850 filed on Apr. 25, 2017;and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/599,320 filed on Dec.15, 2017, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to child bassinets and child careapparatuses including a child bassinet installed on a playpen.

2. Description of the Related Art

Some playpen product available on the market may include a bassinetaccessory that can be placed on the playpen to provide an elevatedsurface for a young infant to sleep or play. The conventional attachmentsystem for the bassinet accessory usually engages with a top portion ofthe playpen so that the bassinet accessory can be held in a fixedhanging position over a bottom of the playpen. However, the placement ofthe bassinet accessory on the playpen at only one fixed position may notbe suitable for different configurations of use. For example, a higherposition of the bassinet accessory may facilitate access to the childreceived in the bassinet, whereas a lower position of the bassinetaccessory may be preferable for improved safety when the child receivedtherein is sleeping.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved child bassinet that can bemanufactured in a cost-effective manner, and address at least theforegoing issues.

SUMMARY

The present application describes a child bassinet that can be installedon a playpen. According to an embodiment, the child bassinet comprises asupport frame supporting an enclosure, the support frame and theenclosure delimiting at least partially an interior space for receivinga child, and a playpen coupling mechanism provided on the support frameand operable to engage with and disengage from a playpen forinstallation and removal of the child bassinet on the playpen. Theplaypen coupling mechanism includes a first catching part and a secondcatching part respectively connected with the support frame at twovertically spaced-apart locations, the first catching part beingengageable with a playpen for installing the child bassinet on theplaypen at a first height above a bottom of the playpen, and the secondcatching part being engageable with the playpen for installing the childbassinet on the playpen at a second height above the bottom of theplaypen that is different from the first height.

According to another embodiment, the child bassinet comprises a supportframe supporting an enclosure, the support frame and the enclosuredelimiting at least partially an interior space for receiving a child,and a playpen coupling mechanism provided on the support frame andoperable to engage with and disengage from a playpen for installationand removal of the child bassinet on the playpen. The playpen couplingmechanism includes an adjustable catching part connected with thesupport frame, the catching part being movable relative to the supportframe between a first position and a second position of differentelevations, the catching part in the first position being engageablewith a playpen for installing the child bassinet on the playpen at afirst height above a bottom of the playpen, and the catching part in thesecond position being engageable with the playpen for installing thechild bassinet on the playpen at a second height above the bottom of theplaypen that is different from the first height.

Moreover, the present application provides a child care apparatuscomprising a playpen having an upper frame portion, and the childbassinet installable on the upper frame portion of the playpen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of a child careapparatus including a child bassinet installed on a playpen at a firstelevated position;

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the child care apparatus of FIG. 1with the child bassinet installed on the playpen at a second elevatedposition different from the first elevated position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the child bassinet of FIG. 1alone;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the child bassinet shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating some construction details of aplaypen coupling mechanism provided in the child bassinet shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a variant construction of aplaypen coupling mechanism provided in the child bassinet;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating exemplary operation of theplaypen coupling mechanism shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of aplaypen coupling mechanism provided on one upright frame portion of achild bassinet for installation of the child bassinet on a playpen atdifferent elevations;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views illustrating the playpencoupling mechanism of FIG. 8 in different states;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic views illustrating a catching part of theplaypen coupling mechanism shown in FIG. 8 in two different positionsfor installing the child bassinet at different heights on the upperframe portion of a playpen;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a variant construction ofthe playpen coupling mechanism shown in FIGS. 8-12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a catching part of theplaypen coupling mechanism shown in FIG. 13 locked in a differentposition;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the playpen couplingmechanism of FIG. 13 in a lock disabling configuration; and

FIGS. 16-19 are various views illustrating another embodiment of aplaypen coupling mechanism provided on one upright frame portion of achild bassinet for installation of the child bassinet on a playpen atdifferent elevations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic side views illustrating an embodiment of achild care apparatus 100. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the child careapparatus 100 can include a playpen 102 and a child bassinet 200. Theplaypen 102 can include a frame assembly 106, and an enclosure 108(shown with phantom lines) comprised of a flexible material that can beattached to the frame assembly 106. The frame assembly 106 and theenclosure 108 can at least partially delimit an interior space of theplaypen 102 adapted to receive a child. The child bassinet 200 can beinstalled on an upper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102, and removedfrom the playpen 102 for use as a standalone device. The upper frameportion 106A of the playpen 102 may include tube segments 110 and cornerbrackets 112, and can provide support for the child bassinet 200 above abottom 114 of the playpen 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the child bassinet 200 can be installed onthe playpen 102 at different heights above the bottom 114 of the playpen102. In FIG. 1, the child care apparatus 100 is shown with the childbassinet 200 installed on the upper frame portion 106A of the playpen102 at a first height H1 above the bottom 114 of the playpen 102. Theelevated position of the child bassinet 200 shown in FIG. 1 can be arelatively lower position where a sleeping surface S of the childbassinet 200 (shown with phantom lines) is located below a top of theplaypen 102 for increased safety. In FIG. 2, the child care apparatus100 is shown with the child bassinet 200 installed on the upper frameportion 106A of the playpen 100 at a second height H2 above the bottom114 of the playpen 102 that is greater than the first height H1. Theelevated position of the child bassinet 200 shown in FIG. 2 can be arelatively higher position where the sleeping surface S of the childbassinet 200 can be close to a top of the playpen 102 for facilitatingaccess to the interior of the child bassinet 200. Further constructiondetails of the child bassinet 200 allowing its installation on theplaypen 102 at different elevated positions is described hereinafterwith further reference to FIGS. 3-5.

In conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 3 is a perspective viewillustrating the child bassinet 200 alone, FIG. 4 is a side view of thechild bassinet 200, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating someconstruction details of the child bassinet 200. Referring to FIGS. 1-5,the child bassinet 200 can include a support frame 202, and an enclosure204 (shown with phantom lines) comprised of a fabric material that canbe attached to the support frame 202. The support frame 202 and theenclosure 204 can delimit at least partially an interior space 203 ofthe child bassinet 200 for receiving a child. According to an example ofconstruction, the support frame 202 can include a plurality of uprightframe portions 206, two opposite side frame portions 208A and 208B, twoend frame portions 210A and 210B, and a bottom frame portion 211.

The upright frame portions 206 can be corner frame portions respectivelydisposed at a plurality of corners of the child bassinet 200. Eachupright frame portion 206 can include, e.g., a rigid post 212 fixedlyconnected with a foot 214 at a lower end thereof. The rigid post 212 caninclude one or more tube segment.

Each of the two opposite side frame portions 208A and 208B can berespectively connected with two upright frame portions 206, and canexemplary include an elongate tube portion 216.

The end frame portion 210A can include an elongate tube portion 218 thatis respectively connected with two upright frame portions 206. The otherend frame portion 210B can exemplary include a panel 220 and an elongatebar 222 disposed at a side opposite to that of the end frame portion210A. The elongate bar 222 can be connected with two upright frameportions 206, and the panel 220 can be pivotally connected with theelongate bar 222. The panel 220 can thereby rotate relative to theelongate bar 222 to open and close the child bassinet 200 forfacilitating access to the interior of the child bassinet 200.

The bottom frame portion 211 can be respectively connected pivotallywith the feet 214 of the upright frame portions 206, and can providesupport for a sleeping surface S of the child bassinet 200. According toan embodiment, the bottom frame portion 211 can have a foldablestructure comprised of a plurality of tube segments 211A, and a centralpivot joint 211B connected with the tube segments 211A. The foldablestructure of the bottom frame portion 211 can facilitate the collapse ofthe child bassinet 200 to a compact size.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the child bassinet 200 can further include aplaypen coupling mechanism 201A provided on the support frame 202 forinstallation of the child bassinet 200 on the playpen 102. Morespecifically, the playpen coupling mechanism 201A can engage with theplaypen 102 when the child bassinet 200 is installed on the playpen 102,and disengage from the playpen 102 when the child bassinet 200 isremoved from the playpen 102. According to an embodiment, the playpencoupling mechanism 201A can include a plurality of catching parts 226and 228 respectively connected with the support frame 202 of the childbassinet 200. When the child bassinet 200 is installed on the playpen102 in the lower elevated position shown in FIG. 1, the catching parts226 can respectively engage with the upper frame portion 106A of theplaypen 102, while the catching parts 228 can remain disengaged from theplaypen 102. When the child bassinet 200 is installed on the playpen 102in the higher elevated position shown in FIG. 2, the catching parts 228can respectively engage with the upper frame portion 106A of the playpen102, and the catching parts 226 can remain disengaged from the playpen102.

According to an embodiment, the catching parts 226 and 228 can berespectively connected with the upright frame portions 206. Morespecifically, each upright frame portion 206 can be respectivelyconnected with one catching part 226 and one catching part 228, both thecatching parts 226 and 228 being respectively disposed at two verticallyspaced-apart locations on the upright frame portion 206. For example,the catching part 228 can be disposed below the catching part 226 oneach upright frame portion 206.

Each catching part 226 can be respectively connected fixedly with thecorresponding upright frame portion 206. For example, each catching part226 may be a protrusion that is fixedly attached to the rigid post 212of the corresponding upright frame portion 206 and protrudes sidewaysoutside the interior space 203 enclosed by the enclosure 204.

Each catching part 228 can be disposed outside the interior space 203enclosed by the enclosure 204, and can be connected with thecorresponding upright frame portion 206 for movement substantiallyperpendicular to the upright frame portion 206. For example, eachcatching part 228 may be respectively connected pivotally with thecorresponding upright frame portion 206 (e.g., with the rigid post 212thereof) about a substantially vertical pivot axis 230. The catchingpart 228 can be formed integrally as a single piece, and can have adownwardly facing surface 228A between the pivot axis 230 and a distalend 228B of the catching part 228. The downwardly facing surface 228Acan be in contact with the upper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102when the catching part 228 is engaged with the upper frame portion 106Aof the playpen 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, on each upright frame portion 206, the catchingpart 228 can rotate about the pivot axis 230 between two positions: afirst position where the catching part 228 is positioned adjacent andgenerally parallel to a sidewall of the enclosure 204 (shown in FIGS. 3and 4 and also illustrated with phantom lines in FIG. 5), and a secondposition where the catching part 228 can protrude away from theenclosure 204 (shown with solid lines in FIG. 5). When the catching part228 on each upright frame portion 206 is in the first position shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the catching part 228 is in a retracted state close tothe enclosure 204 that can disable engagement of the catching part 228with the upper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102. The catching parts226 and 228 on each upright frame portion 206 can respectively protrudein two different directions when the catching part 228 is in the firstposition shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

When the catching part 228 on each upright frame portion 206 is in thesecond position shown with solid lines in FIG. 5, the catching part 228is in a deployed state allowing engagement of the catching part 228 withthe upper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102.

For installing the child bassinet 200 on the playpen 102 in the lowerelevated position shown in FIG. 1, the catching part 228 on each uprightframe portion 206 can be respectively disposed in the retracted position(shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) so as to prevent its engagement with the upperframe portion 106A of the playpen 102. The child bassinet 200 then canbe mounted on the playpen 102 with the catching parts 226 resting incontact with the upper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102.

For installing the child bassinet 200 on the playpen 102 in the higherelevated position shown in FIG. 2, the catching part 228 on each uprightframe portion 206 can be respectively rotated to the deployed position(shown with solid lines in FIG. 5). The child bassinet 200 then can bemounted on the playpen 102 with the respective downwardly facingsurfaces 228A of the catching parts 228 resting in contact with theupper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102.

When the child bassinet 200 is removed from the playpen 102 and used asa standalone device, the catching part 228 on each upright frame portion206 can be respectively rotated to the retracted position. The feet 214can provide standing support for the child bassinet 200 when the childbassinet 200 is used as a standalone device.

Although the catching part 228 has been described as being pivotallyconnected with the upright frame portion 206 for adjustment between thedeployed position and the retracted position, it will be appreciatedthat a sliding connection between the catching part 228 and the uprightframe portion 206 may also be suitable. For example, the catching part228 may be assembled with the upright frame portion 206 for slidinggenerally perpendicular to the upright frame portion 206 between thedeployed position and the retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a variant construction inwhich the aforementioned catching part 228 provided on each uprightframe portion 206 of the child bassinet 200 is respectively replacedwith a catching part 228′. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustratingexemplary operation of the catching part 228′ on one upright frameportion 206. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, each catching part 228′ can beplaced outside the interior space 203 enclosed by the enclosure 204, andcan be disposed below the catching part 226. Each catching part 228′ canbe pivotally connected with the rigid post 212 of the correspondingupright frame portion 206 about a substantially horizontal pivot axis230′, and can have a distal end 228B′ distant from the pivot axis 230′.The distal end 228B′ can be in contact with the upper frame portion 106Aof the playpen 102 when the catching part 228′ is engaged with the upperframe portion 106A of the playpen 102.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, on each upright frame portion 206, thecatching part 228′ can rotate about the pivot axis 230′ relative to theupright frame portion 206 between two positions: a first position wherethe catching part 228′ is positioned generally vertically and generallyparallel to the upright frame portion 206 (shown in FIG. 6), and asecond position where the catching part 228′ can protrude away from theupright frame portion 206 (shown in FIG. 7). When the catching part 228′on each upright frame portion 206 is in the first position shown in FIG.6, the catching part 228′ is in a retracted state with the distal end228B′ thereof adjacent to the upright frame portion 206, therebydisabling engagement of the catching part 228′ with the upper frameportion 106A of the playpen 102. According to an embodiment, the uprightframe portion 206 can include a recess 232, and the distal end 228B′ ofthe catching part 228′ can be received in the recess 232 in the firstposition.

When the catching part 228′ on each upright frame portion 206 is in thesecond position with the distal end 228B′ protruding outside the recess232 (as shown in FIG. 7), the child bassinet 200 may be installed on theplaypen 102 with the distal end 228B′ of the catching part 228′ restingin contact with the upper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102. Thecatching part 226 and the catching part 228′ on each upright frameportion 206 may protrude from the upright frame portion 206 in a samedirection when the catching part 228′ is in the second position.

For installing the child bassinet 200 on the playpen 102 in the positionof a lower elevation, the catching part 228′ on each upright frameportion 206 can be respectively disposed in the retracted position shownin FIG. 6 so as to prevent its engagement with the upper frame portion106A of the playpen 102. The child bassinet 200 then can be mounted onthe playpen 102 with the catching parts 226 resting in contact with theupper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102, like previously described.

For installing the child bassinet 200 on the playpen 102 in the positionof a higher elevation, the catching part 228′ on each upright frameportion 206 can be respectively rotated to the deployed position shownin FIG. 7. The child bassinet 200 then can be mounted on the playpen 102with the distal end 228B′ of the catching parts 228′ resting in contactwith the upper frame portion 106A of the playpen 102.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of aplaypen coupling mechanism 201B provided on one upright frame portion206 of the child bassinet 200 for installation of the child bassinet ona playpen at different elevations. FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematiccross-sectional views illustrating the playpen coupling mechanism 201Bprovided on the upright frame portion 206. The same structureillustrated in FIGS. 8-10 may be provided on each upright frame portion206 of the child bassinet. Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the playpen couplingmechanism 201B can include an adjustable catching part 240 that can bepositioned at different elevated positions on the upright frame portion206. According to an embodiment, the catching part 240 can be connectedwith the upright frame portion 206 for upward and downward slidingmovement along the upright frame portion 206. For example, the uprightframe portion 206 can include a guide track 242 extending generallyvertically, and the catching part 240 can slide along the guide track242 relative to the upright frame portion 206. The catching part 240 caninclude an outer portion 244 protruding outward from a sidewall 246 ofthe upright frame portion 206, and an inner portion 248 received insidethe guide track 242. According to an example of construction, thecatching part 240 including the outer portion 244 and the inner portion248 may be provided as a unitary part. The outer portion 244 can includea concavity 244A adapted to receive at least partially the upper frameportion 106A of the playpen 102 when the child bassinet is installed onthe playpen 102.

In conjunction with FIGS. 8-10, FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic viewsillustrating two different positions of the catching part 240 on theupright frame portion 206 for installing the child bassinet at differentheights on the upper frame portion 106A of a playpen. For clarity, onlyone upright frame portion 206 of the child bassinet 200 with itscatching part 240 and a part of the upper frame portion 106A of theplaypen are represented in FIGS. 11 and 12. Referring to FIGS. 8-12, thecatching part 240 on each upright frame portion 206 can slide along theguide track 242 between at least two positions of different elevationsrelative to the foot 214. For example, when the catching part 240 isplaced in a higher position relative to the foot 214 as shown in FIG. 11(the catching part 240 in the higher position may be separated a firstdistance D1 from the foot 214), the catching part 240 can engage withthe upper frame portion 106A of the playpen for installing the childbassinet 200 on the playpen at a first height H1 above the bottom of theplaypen.

When the catching part 240 is placed in a lower position relative to thefoot 214 as shown in FIG. 12 (the catching part 240 in the lowerposition may be separated a second distance D2 from the foot 214 that issmaller than the first distance D1 shown in FIG. 11), the catching part240 can engage with the upper frame portion 106A of the playpen forinstalling the child bassinet 200 on the playpen at a second height H2above the bottom of the playpen that is greater than the first heightH1.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a latching mechanism may be provided tolock the catching part 240 on the upright frame portion 206 in theaforementioned positions of different elevations. According to anembodiment, this latching mechanism may include two openings 250 and 252vertically distant from each other that are provided in the uprightframe portion 206 adjacent to the guide track 242. The openings 250 and252 may be fixedly provided in the upright frame portion 206, and thecatching part 240 can be locked in the higher position on the uprightframe portion 206 by engaging with the opening 250 and locked in thelower position on the upright frame portion 206 by engaging with theopening 252.

According to an embodiment, the catching part 240 is movable between alocking state where the inner portion 248 thereof can engage with theopening 250 or 252 to respectively lock the catching part 240 in thehigher or lower position on the upright frame portion 206, and anunlocked state where the inner portion 248 of the catching part 240 isdisengaged from the openings 250 and 252 for movement of the catchingpart 240 between the higher position and the lower position. FIG. 9exemplary illustrates the catching part 240 engaged with the opening 250and locked in the higher position, and FIG. 10 exemplary illustrates thecatching part 240 in the unlocked state.

In the illustrated example of implementation, in addition to upward anddownward sliding movements, the assembly of the catching part 240 withthe upright frame portion 206 can further allow rotational movements ofthe catching part 240 in a vertical plane for facilitating its switchingbetween the locked state and the unlocked state. According to anotherexample of implementation, in addition to upward and downward slidingmovements, the assembly of the catching part 240 with the upright frameportion 206 may further allow horizontal sliding movements of thecatching part 240 for facilitating its switching between the lockedstate and the unlocked state.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an outer distal end 240A of the catchingpart 240 may move toward or away from the sidewall 246 of the uprightframe portion 206 as the catching part 240 is switched between thelocked state and the unlocked state. More specifically, the outer distalend 240A of the catching part 240 can be positioned adjacent to thesidewall 246 of the upright frame portion 206 to prevent access to theconcavity 244A of the outer portion 244 when the catching part 240 is inthe unlocked state (as shown in FIG. 10), whereby engagement of thecatching part 240 with a playpen can be disabled. The outer distal end240A can be displaced away from the sidewall 246 when the catching part240 is moved from the unlocked state to the locked state, whereby accessto the concavity 244A of the outer portion 244 is allowed for engagementof the catching part 240 with the upper frame portion 106A of theplaypen 102. Accordingly, the child bassinet can be safer in use, as itcannot be installed on a playpen when the catching part 240 on eachupright frame portion 206 is not locked in position.

Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, interference fit may be exemplaryused to facilitate locking and unlocking of the catching part 240 on theupright frame portion 206. For example, when the catching part 240 islocked in place, two surfaces 254A and 254B of a shoulder portion 254provided on the inner portion 248 of the catching part 240 canrespectively engage with an upper surface 255 of the opening 250 or 252and the inner side of the sidewall 246, and a rib 258 provided on theouter portion 244 of the catching part 240 can engage with the outerside of the sidewall 246.

Although the catching part 240 has been described as being slidablyconnected with the upright frame portion 206, it will be appreciatedthat another construction may allow the catching part 240 to be detachedfrom the upright frame portion 206 for adjustment between the higher andlower positions. For example, when a caregiver wants to change theposition of the catching part 240 on the upright frame portion 206, thecatching part 240 can be detached from the upright frame portion 206 andthen engaged with the opening 250 or 252 to be locked in a desirableposition.

FIGS. 13-15 are various views illustrating a variant embodiment of theplaypen coupling mechanism 201B described previously in which the twoopenings 250 and 252 can be provided on a movable switching part 260that is slidably assembled with the upright frame portion 206. Theswitching part 260 can have an elongate shape that extends along theguide track 242 to the foot 214 on the upright frame portion 206.Moreover, the switching part 260 can include two obstructing portions262 and 264 respectively adjacent to the two openings 250 and 252.

The switching part 260 can move vertically relative to the upright frameportion 206 so as to change the respective positions of the openings 250and 252 and obstructing portions 262 and 264 in the upright frameportion 206. More specifically, the switching part 260 is slidablerelative to the upright frame portion 206 between a lock enablingposition shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 allowing the catching part 240 toengage with any of the two openings 250 and 252, and a lock disablingposition shown in FIG. 15 where engagement of the catching part 240 withthe two openings 250 and 252 is prevented. In the lock enablingposition, the two openings 250 and 252 can be respectively disposed attwo predetermined positions corresponding to the higher and lowerpositions of the catching part 240 on the upright frame portion 206,thereby allowing the inner portion 248 of the catching part 240 toengage with any of the openings 250 and 252. According to an example ofconstruction, the outer side of the sidewall 246 of the upright frameportion 206 may include two stop slots 268 and 270 respectivelyassociated with the higher and lower positions of the catching part 240,and the two openings 250 and 252 can respectively overlap at leastpartially with the two stop slots 268 and 270 in the lock enablingposition.

In the lock disabling position, the two openings 250 and 252 can berespectively displaced away from the aforementioned predeterminedpositions, and the two obstructing portions 262 and 264 can respectivelyoverlap at least partially with the stop slots 268 and 270. As a result,the obstructing portions 262 and 264 can respectively block lockingengagement of the catching part 240 in the higher and lower positions.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the switching part 260 can have a lower end260A exposed outward at a bottom of the upright frame portion 206. Thelower end 260A can protrude downward at the bottom of the upright frameportion 206 when the switching part 260 is in the lock enabling position(as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14), and displaced upward toward the uprightframe portion 206 when the switching part 260 is in the lock disablingposition (as shown in FIG. 15).

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, a spring 266 can have two opposite endsrespectively connected with the switching part 260 and the upright frameportion 206. The spring 266 can bias the switching part 260 toward thelock enabling position.

When the child bassinet 200 is installed on the upper frame portion of aplaypen, the switching part 260 on each upright frame portion 206 of thechild bassinet can be in the lock enabling position, and the catchingpart 240 can be locked in the higher or lower position by engaging withthe opening 250 or 252. FIG. 13 exemplary illustrates the catching part240 engaged with the opening 250, and FIG. 14 exemplary illustrates thecatching part 240 engaged with the opening 252.

When the child bassinet is removed from the playpen and used as astandalone device, a floor surface on which the upright frame portion206 of the child bassinet stands can contact and push the lower end 260Aof the switching part 260 upward toward the upright frame portion 206,whereby the switching part 260 can be displaced against the biasingaction of the spring 266 from the lock enabling position to the lockdisabling position shown in FIG. 15. As a result, the switching part 260can push against the inner portion 248 of the catching part 240 and urgethe catching part 240 to disengage from the opening 250 or 252, wherebythe catching part 240 can turn from the locked state to the unlockedstate. Like previously described, the outer distal end 240A of thecatching part 240 can be positioned adjacent to the sidewall 246 of theupright frame portion 206 to prevent access to the concavity 244A of theouter portion 244 when the catching part 240 is in the unlocked state.

FIGS. 16-19 are various views illustrating another embodiment of aplaypen coupling mechanism 201C provided on one upright frame portion206 of the child bassinet 200 for installation of the child bassinet ona playpen at different elevations. Referring to FIGS. 16-19, the playpencoupling mechanism 201C can include an adjustable catching part 280movably assembled with the upright frame portion 206. More specifically,the catching part 280 can be pivotally connected with the upright frameportion 206 about a substantially horizontal pivot axis 282. Thecatching part 280 can have two connecting surfaces 284 and 286 disposedoffset from the pivot axis 282. For example, the catching part 280 caninclude an arm 288 and a knob 290 fixedly connected with each other, andthe connecting surfaces 284 and 286 can be provided on the knob 290respectively facing opposite directions. The arm 288 can be pivotallyconnected with the upright frame portion 206 about the pivot axis 282,and the knob 290 can be located at an eccentric position. According toan example of construction, the catching part 280, including the arm288, the knob 290 and the connecting surfaces 284 and 286 may be formedintegrally as a single part.

The catching part 280 on each upright frame portion 206 can rotatebetween at least two positions of different elevations shown in FIGS. 16and 17. For example, when the catching part 240 is placed in the higherposition shown in FIG. 16, the knob 290 can be positioned relativelyhigher, and the connecting surface 284 faces downward while the otherconnecting surface 286 can face upward. As schematically shown in FIG.18, while the catching part 280 is in this higher position, theconnecting surface 284 can be at a vertical distance D1 from the foot214, and the child bassinet 200 can be installed on the playpen 102 at afirst height H1 above the bottom of the playpen 102 with the connectingsurface 284 engaging in contact with the upper frame portion 106A of theplaypen 102.

When the catching part 240 is placed in a lower position shown in FIG.17, the knob 290 can be positioned relatively lower, and the connectingsurface 286 faces downward while the connecting surface 284 can faceupward. As schematically shown in FIG. 19, while the catching part 280is in this lower position, the connecting surface 286 can be at avertical distance D2 from the foot 214 that is smaller than the verticaldistance D1, and the child bassinet 200 can be installed on the playpenat a second height H2 above the bottom of the playpen greater than thefirst height H1 with the connecting surface 286 engaging in contact withthe upper frame portion 106A of the playpen.

Advantages of the structures described herein include a child bassinetthat can be used independently as a standalone device or installed on aplaypen. The child bassinet can include a playpen coupling mechanismthat can be conveniently adjusted to accommodate the installation of thechild bassinet at different elevations on the playpen.

Realization of the child bassinet and child care apparatus has beendescribed in the context of particular embodiments. These embodimentsare meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations,modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. These and othervariations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall withinthe scope of the inventions as defined in the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A child bassinet comprising: a support framesupporting an enclosure, the support frame and the enclosure delimitingat least partially an interior space for receiving a child; and aplaypen coupling mechanism provided on the support frame and operable toengage with and disengage from a playpen for installation and removal ofthe child bassinet on the playpen, the playpen coupling mechanismincluding a first catching part and a second catching part respectivelyconnected with the support frame at two vertically spaced-apartlocations, the first catching part being engageable with a playpen forinstalling the child bassinet on the playpen at a first height above abottom of the playpen, and the second catching part being engageablewith the playpen for installing the child bassinet on the playpen at asecond height above the bottom of the playpen that is different from thefirst height.
 2. The child bassinet according to claim 1, wherein thesecond catching part is movable relative to the support frame between afirst position and a second position, the first position disablingengagement of the second catching part with a playpen, and the secondposition allowing engagement of the second catching part with a playpen.3. The child bassinet according to claim 2, wherein the first catchingpart is disposed at a first location on the support frame, and thesecond catching part is disposed at a second location on the supportframe below the first catching part.
 4. The child bassinet according toclaim 2, wherein the first catching part is fixedly connected with thesupport frame.
 5. The child bassinet according to claim 4, wherein thefirst catching part and the second catching part protrude from thesupport frame in a same direction when the second catching part is inthe second position.
 6. The child bassinet according to claim 4, whereinthe first catching part and the second catching part respectivelyprotrude from the support frame in two different directions when thesecond catching part is in the first position.
 7. The child bassinetaccording to claim 2, wherein the second catching part is connected withan upright frame portion of the support frame, and is movablesubstantially perpendicular to the upright frame portion between thefirst and second position.
 8. The child bassinet according to claim 2,wherein the second catching part is pivotally connected with an uprightframe portion of the support frame.
 9. The child bassinet according toclaim 8, wherein the second catching part is rotatable relative to theupright frame portion about a pivot axis that is substantially vertical,and has a downwardly facing surface between the pivot axis and a distalend of the second catching part, the second catching part beingengageable with a playpen with the downwardly facing surface in contactwith the playpen.
 10. The child bassinet according to claim 8, whereinthe second catching part is rotatable relative to the upright frameportion about a pivot axis that is substantially horizontal, and has adistal end distant from the pivot axis, the second catching part beingengageable with a playpen with the distal end in contact with theplaypen.
 11. The child bassinet according to claim 10, wherein theupright frame portion includes a recess, the distal end of the secondcatching part being received in the recess in the first position andprotruding outside the recess in the second position.
 12. The childbassinet according to claim 1, wherein the support frame includes anupright frame portion, and the first and second catching parts arerespectively connected with the upright frame portion.
 13. A child careapparatus comprising: a playpen having an upper frame portion; and thechild bassinet according to claim 1, installable on the upper frameportion of the playpen.
 14. A child bassinet comprising: a support framesupporting an enclosure, the support frame and the enclosure delimitingat least partially an interior space for receiving a child; and aplaypen coupling mechanism provided on the support frame and operable toengage with and disengage from a playpen for installation and removal ofthe child bassinet on the playpen, the playpen coupling mechanismincluding an adjustable catching part connected with the support frame,the catching part being movable relative to the support frame between afirst position and a second position of different elevations, thecatching part in the first position being engageable with a playpen forinstalling the child bassinet on the playpen at a first height above abottom of the playpen, and the catching part in the second positionbeing engageable with the playpen for installing the child bassinet onthe playpen at a second height above the bottom of the playpen that isdifferent from the first height.
 15. The child bassinet according toclaim 14, wherein the catching part has a first and a second connectingsurface, the catching part being movable relative to the support frameto selectively position either of the first and second connectingsurfaces facing downward, the first connecting surface facing downwardwhen the catching part is in the first position so that the childbassinet is installable on a playpen with the first connecting surfaceengaged with the playpen, and the second connecting surface facingdownward when the catching part is in the second position so that thechild bassinet is installable on a playpen with the second connectingsurface engaged with the playpen.
 16. The child bassinet according toclaim 15, wherein the first and second connecting surface face oppositedirections.
 17. The child bassinet according to claim 15, wherein thecatching part is pivotally connected with an upright frame portion ofthe support frame about a pivot axis, and the first and secondconnecting surfaces are offset from the pivot axis.
 18. The childbassinet according to claim 14, wherein the upright frame portionincludes a first and a second opening vertically distant from eachother, the catching part being locked in the first position by engagingwith the first opening and locked in the second position by engagingwith the second opening.
 19. The child bassinet according to claim 14,wherein the catching part is slidably assembled with an upright frameportion of the support frame, the catching part being slidable relativeto the upright frame portion between the first and second position. 20.The child bassinet according to claim 19, wherein the upright frameportion includes a guide track along which the catching part is movablebetween the first and second position, and a first and a second openingadjacent to the guide track, the catching part further being movablebetween a locked state where the catching part engages with the firstopening for locking the catching part in the first position or with thesecond opening for locking the catching part in the second position, andan unlocked state where the catching part is disengaged from the firstand second openings for movement of the catching part between the firstand second position.
 21. The child bassinet according to claim 20,wherein the catching part is rotatable relative to the upright frameportion between the locked state and the unlocked state.
 22. The childbassinet according to claim 20, wherein the upright frame portionincludes a sidewall from which the catching part protrudes outward, anouter distal end of the catching part being positioned adjacent to thesidewall in the unlocked state for disabling engagement of the catchingpart with a playpen, and the outer distal end of the catching part beingdisplaced away from the sidewall in the locked state for engagement ofthe catching part with an upper frame portion of a playpen.
 23. Thechild bassinet according to claim 22, wherein the first opening and thesecond opening are provided on a switching part that is movablyassembled with the upright frame portion, the switching part beingslidable relative to the upright frame portion between a lock disablingposition preventing engagement of the catching part with the first andsecond openings, and a lock enabling position allowing engagement of thecatching part with the first or second opening.
 24. The child bassinetaccording to claim 23, wherein the switching part includes a first and asecond obstructing portion respectively adjacent to the first and secondopening, the first and second obstructing portions being positioned soas to block a locking engagement of the catching part when the switchingpart is in the lock disabling position.
 25. The child bassinet accordingto claim 23, wherein the switching part has a lower end exposed outwardat a bottom of the upright frame portion, the lower end protruding atthe bottom of the upright frame portion in the lock enabling position,and when the child bassinet is used as a standalone device placed on afloor surface, the lower end of the switching part being pushed upwardto the lock disabling position.
 26. A child care apparatus comprising: aplaypen having an upper frame portion; and the child bassinet accordingto claim 14, installable on the upper frame portion of the playpen.